Regenerative tourism project funded through Fáilte Ireland’s EU Just Transition Fund scheme strengthens visitor accommodation offering in Tullamore
The Old Coach House, a new sustainable tourist accommodation offering, has officially opened in Tullamore, Co. Offaly.
The project was awarded €300,000 in investment funding through Fáilte Ireland’s Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme, which is co-funded by the EU and the Government of Ireland under the EU Just Transition fund.
The Old Coach House invested a further €308,000 in the development bringing the total investment to €608,000.
Newly redeveloped Old Coach House
The newly redeveloped Old Coach House represents an important addition to Offaly’s tourism offering, providing new high-quality visitor accommodation in the heart of Tullamore, enhancing the destination for both domestic and international visitors exploring Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands.
Originally dating back to the 18th century, the building has been carefully restored and transformed into a contemporary self-catering accommodation experience.
The redevelopment has created accommodation for up to 10 guests through two loft-style apartments within the restored Coach House and three self-contained accommodation pods, including one fully accessible pod.
Sustainable and recycled materials were used throughout the redevelopment, ensuring the building’s heritage is protected while meeting modern accommodation standards. The redevelopment preserves the building’s historic character while creating a unique place for visitors to stay and explore Tullamore and the wider Midlands region.
Speaking about the opening, Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke TD said: “
This project is another strong example of how investment through the EU Just Transition Fund is supporting sustainable economic development across the Midlands and helping communities realise their tourism potential. The restoration and repurposing of this important historic building demonstrate how heritage assets can be reimagined to create new opportunities for enterprise, employment and regional growth.
Projects such as The Old Coach House not only enhance the visitor experience but also contribute to the long-term renewal and revitalisation of town centres by attracting investment, supporting local businesses and encouraging more people to visit and spend time in the region.
I commend Aidan Shortall, Fáilte Ireland, the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly and all those involved in bringing this project to fruition, and I look forward to seeing further regenerative tourism projects delivered under this scheme in the years ahead.”
Caroline Bocquel, CEO at Fáilte Ireland, said: “
We are so pleased to see The Old Coach House open in Tullamore today. This project demonstrates how Fáilte Ireland’s Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme is supporting the development of sustainable visitor accommodation and creating new opportunities for tourism growth across the Midlands.
By transforming such a distinctive historic building into a high-quality accommodation experience, The Old Coach House is strengthening Offaly’s visitor offering and encouraging visitors to stay longer and explore more of Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands. Across Offaly and the wider region, we are beginning to see a strong network of attractions and experiences emerge through investment from the EU Just Transition Fund, strengthening the region’s appeal for both domestic and international visitors while delivering lasting economic and social benefits for local businesses and communities.”
Clare Bannon, Director of the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly (EMRA), Managing Authority for the EU Just Transition Fund, said:
“EMRA is delighted to see the opening of The Old Coach House today, creating a unique new sustainable accommodation offering in the heart of Tullamore and providing visitors with another reason to explore the Midlands. This project demonstrates how the EU Just Transition Fund is supporting the regeneration of historic buildings, strengthening local tourism infrastructure and contributing to the economic diversification of the region.”
Aidan Shortall, owner of The Old Coach House said:
“The support we received through the Government of Ireland and the European Union’s EU Just Transition Fund was absolutely instrumental. Without that funding, we simply could not have undertaken a project of this scale and given this historic building the future it deserves.
For me, this is about much more than restoring a building. It is about breathing new life into Church Street, creating employment, bringing visitors into Tullamore and showcasing our town and the Midlands as a place where investment, tourism and new opportunities can thrive. We are incredibly proud of what our team has achieved, and we cannot wait to welcome our first guests to The Old Coach House.”
The Old Coach House is the latest project to be completed under Fáilte Ireland’s Investment Grant Aid Scheme for Private and Community SMEs, which opened for applications in August 2023. This is the third regenerative tourism project under the scheme to officially open in Offaly, following Watershed Flyfishing in 2025 and Banagher Open Water Pool earlier this year.
